Hermitage Crime Rate

Hermitage is an exceptionally safe urban settlement with a crime rate of 32.5 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. The area boasts an outstanding safety score of 93/100, far exceeding the national benchmark of 79. However, recent data shows an increasing trend, with a 14.5% rise in crime year-over-year. This upward movement, while starting from a very low baseline, suggests that residents should be increasingly mindful of local safety. The following analysis provides a detailed look at Hermitage's crime breakdown, including the prevalence of burglary and specific time-based insights to help the local community stay secure.

In Hermitage, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 29.1% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 9.5 per 1,000 residents. Criminal damage and arson (17.7%) and shoplifting (12.7%) are the next most significant offences. These figures indicate that while Hermitage is an exceptionally safe community, social-related issues and opportunistic damage are the primary concerns.

Property crime in Hermitage is recorded at a rate of 17.3 per 1,000 people, which is nearly half the UK average of 32.3. This includes burglary (3.7 per 1,000), shoplifting (4.1 per 1,000), and vehicle crime (1.6 per 1,000). While the overall property crime rate is very low, the fact that burglary makes up over 11% of total crime is a specific point of interest for homeowners. This suggests that while property offences are infrequent, they are more likely to be serious incidents like break-ins rather than low-level theft. Homeowners should therefore maintain high security standards despite the area's generally safe profile.

Hermitage's crime trend is currently increasing, with a 14.5% rise in total offences over the past year. Monthly data shows a relatively stable but slightly volatile rate, with peaks in June and November 2025 at 4.1 crimes per 1,000 people, and a low of 0.8 in October. This overall upward trajectory, while starting from an exceptionally low baseline, suggests that residents should be more aware of local safety than in previous years. The consistency of the low crime volume across most months reinforces Hermitage's position as a very safe community, but the recent increase indicates a need for continued vigilance.

How To Keep Safe in Hermitage

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Hermitage, though the overall rate is exceptionally low. Standard personal safety advice applies: stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking in quieter areas after dark. Sticking to well-lit paths and letting someone know your plans is always a sensible precaution.

A specific concern in Hermitage is the timing of burglaries, with 42% occurring in the afternoon and 38% at night. To keep your home safe, ensure that all entry points are securely locked even when you are at home, and use timers for lights when you are away in the late afternoon. For vehicle owners, the night-time spike in vehicle crime (20% of night-time reports) means that double-checking your car is locked and parked in a secure, well-lit area is a vital habit. Since criminal damage is the second most common crime, maintaining your property's boundaries and using motion-activated lighting can be a powerful deterrent. By following these simple, localised tips, Hermitage residents can help maintain the village's reputation as one of the safest places to live.

Crime in Hermitage shows distinct time-based trends, particularly regarding property offences. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is the busiest period for burglary, accounting for 42% of all crimes during these hours, often occurring while residents are away. The night-time period (12am-6am) is also a high-risk time, with 38% of reports being burglaries and 20% being vehicle crime. Morning hours (6am-12pm) see a higher percentage of theft (13%) and 'other' crimes (49%). These patterns suggest that property security should be a primary focus during both the afternoon and overnight periods, with an emphasis on perimeter protection to deter opportunistic break-ins.

In the local context, Hermitage is a standout performer for safety. It is significantly more secure than neighbouring Chieveley, which has a much higher crime rate of 73.1 per 1,000. While it is more active than the very small hamlets of Curridge and Ashmore Green, which reported no crime, it compares very favourably to Cold Ash (11.1). Hermitage offers a premier safety profile for the West Berkshire region, making it a highly desirable location for those who prioritise a secure and tranquil residential environment. Its 93/100 safety score is a testament to the area's exceptional security.

Hermitage's property crime rate is exceptionally low at 17.3 per 1,000 people, but the fact that burglary accounts for over 11% of all offences is a specific point of interest for residents. In a safe area like Hermitage, the goal of security should be to maintain that safety by deterring any potential threats before they escalate. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV, often only provide footage of an incident after it has occurred, which is of limited use in preventing the initial loss.

A proactive AI-powered system like scOS is the ideal solution for Hermitage. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour in real-time. Whether it is someone loitering near your home in the afternoon or an unknown vehicle approaching at night, scOS can respond autonomously with security lights or audio alerts. This destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. With features like pattern learning and DVLA vehicle verification, scOS ensures that you are only alerted to real threats. This professional-grade protection is the best way to ensure your Hermitage home remains as secure as the statistics suggest.